- Source: Dela Botri
Yaw Dela Botri (born 22 May 1969) widely known as Dela Botri (The Flute Magician), is a Ghanaian flutist, singer, songwriter, music director, and lecturer. He has been featured on a lot of songs in Ghana such as "Obi Nya Wo Aye" (Someone Wishes to Be You) by Minister OJ., "Atia" by Epixode, "Emmre"(Time) by Josh Laryea, and "My Life" by Trigmatic among others. Blakk Rasta also featured him on his latest Salaga Soljah album
Biography
Yaw Dela Botri (Born 22 May 1969) widely known as Dela Botri (The Flute Magician), is a Ghanaian flutist, singer, songwriter, music director, and lecturer. He has been featured on a lot of songs in Ghana such as "Obi Nya Wo Aye" by Minister OJ, "Atia" by Epixode, "Emmre" by Josh Laryea, "My Life" by Trigmatic among others. Blakk Rasta also featured him on his latest "Salaga Soljah" album. In 2004 the band performed with GRAMMY winner Stevie Wonder in Ghana at the [[Accra International Conference Centre]]. Dela Botri is the founder and leader of Hewale Sounds Band formed 1996. He and his Band have played a lot of shows both in Ghana and International. The Band specializes in Traditional Music and Contemporary extension. They won the Best International Cultural Act at the Ghana Music Awards UK 2022.
Early life and career
Yaw Dela Botri known professionally as Dela Botri (The Flute Magician) was born in Lartebiokorshie a suburb of Accra on 22 May 1969 to Mr. Gladstone Kodzo Botri and Mrs. Patient Yawo Denu Botri. Dela Botri is a Ghanaian flutist, songwriter, music director, and founder and leader of Hewale Sounds Band. He attended Lartebiokorshie 1&2 Middle School Form Four. He started playing the flute at a young age and has since become a household name in the Ghanaian and global music industry. His contributions to the Ghanaian music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Ghana Music Awards UK Best International Cultural Act 2022. He is more into folkloric and traditional songs with the fusion of contemporary rhythms. Dela's vision is to conquer the world with his style of music therefore he decided to sing in different languages both international and local, he sings in Twi, Ga Ewe, Spanish, English, and French among others.
Marriage and children
Dela Botri is married to Faith Delali Datsomor and has two children
Hewale Sounds Band
The Band was formed in 1996 in Accra Ghana, and has worked at the University of Ghana music department under the late Professor J.H. Kwabena Nketia. They won the Best International Cultural Act at the Ghana Music Awards UK 2022. The Band has also performed for the previous Dutch Ambassadors at their residence during Queens Day events to the King's Day. In 2004 the band performed with GRAMMY winner Stevie Wonder in Ghana at the Accra International Conference Centre. Some of the instruments the band plays include the Atenteben (a bamboo flute), the Akan seprewa, the Harp-lute, the goje one-stringed Dagbani fiddle, the giant Ga gome (frame drum), guitars, xylophones and other types of percussion equipment.
Discography
Album: Ghana Be Your Own.
Album: Sankofa.
2011 Album: I Surrender.
2020 Album: African Flute Display.
2021: Lorlor EP Love .
List of songs released.
Recognition
Dela Botri and the Hawela Sounds Band have traveled to represent Ghana in many countries including, Japan. He worked with the Royal Dutch Conservatory as a guest professor in 2009 and 2010 in the Den Haag. 2017, Us-based Jazz Guitarist Nathan Pryce collaborated with him to record a music eulogy honoring the memory of the Ghanaian Highlife late Paapa Yankson. 2024, He and his band were the carpet band to perform for the outgone director of the German school in Ghana Goethe Institute. Dela was featured to performed live at the Nobel Peace Price Concert in Norway in honor of the Liberian President. Madam Johnson Miattha Fahnbule was the main artiste. Others artistes included were Anthony Akablay from Ghana, Eric Antonio on keys choir from Norway, and Norwegian Symphonic orchestra.
Philanthropy
Dela Botri in the quest to give back to society visited his hometown Keta in the Volta Region to coach students who are interested in music for free. Dela Botri Music Foundation's vision is to set up and coach a traditional music ensemble made up of students from Keta Senior High School (Ketasco). Basic instruments to be taught are Flute, Bell, Rattles, Drums, and Xylophone.
“I come from Keta and the ensemble project is my way of giving something back to my people. I have taught many in Accra and abroad how to play the flute. I know there are many young people in my hometown who can also play well when given the chance. “Some of my former students in Accra are now earning their living playing flute in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other places. I don’t see why I shouldn’t pass on the knowledge to youth from my hometown," said Botri.
External links
Dela Botri youtube
Dela Botri Facebook
